File E6: how to find an original problem?

Understanding the Importance of the Problem for Innovative Research

In the context of 2025, where the mass of information and research continues to increase, finding an original problem becomes a major challenge. Few things can convey the dynamism of a well-formulated question, capable of standing out from the crowd and providing a new perspective. Indeed, a problem acts as a guiding principle in any research process, guiding all thinking and influencing the relevance and quality of the final work. Its importance should not be underestimated, as it represents the key to standing out in a saturated academic environment. Especially since, in certain fields, such as marketing or environmental management, numerous studies have already explored similar themes. It is therefore important to know how to unearth an idea that will add value, while being affordable in terms of resources and feasibility. The key lies in the ability to identify underexplored angles or to pose a question that addresses a clear gap in the literature or practice. Once you’ve mastered this step, the rest of the process becomes more fluid, reassuring, and refocuses on the central issue of the research.

Step 1: Choose a captivating and relevant topic

It all starts with selecting a topic you’re passionate about or that’s of current interest, for example, related to the growth of companies like Air France or Decathlon. If you don’t feel motivated by your topic, chances are your approach will lack momentum. The first step is to identify a specific area within your specialty, avoiding routine or overly generic topics.

To stimulate your creativity, here is a list of criteria for choosing a relevant topic:

• 📝 Personal or professional interest
• 🔍 Potential for originality or novelty
• 🌱 Easy access to resources and data
• 📆 Current events or emerging trends
• 📝 Sufficient time for in-depth study

For example, in the retail sector, we might explore the impact of new loyalty methods on Carrefour or Groupe PSA. Considering an innovative approach, such as integrating new technologies or blockchain into these strategies, could open the door to a unique approach. For example: “How can blockchain revolutionize loyalty management at Carrefour?” This type of question combines innovation, current context, and feasibility. Another tip is to examine contemporary trends or crises to guide your research, even if it means focusing on the digital transformation of a large company like Orange.

1. Analyze a broad topic to narrow it down
2. Talk with professionals or teachers
3. Consult trends on specialized sites
4. Draw on your own experience or interest
5. Use tools like market intelligence or literature reviews

Practical example: Choose a topic in the agri-food sector

If you’re interested in the world of responsible consumption, you might, for example, wonder how Danone could reduce its carbon footprint. The answer to this question could reveal innovative and achievable avenues while addressing a major societal challenge.

Step 2: Define the problem by analyzing the literature

Once you’ve chosen a topic, it’s not enough to dive in headfirst. You need to pose a specific, clear, and well-targeted problem. For this, a literature review is essential. This is the time to examine what has been done so far, what has been tested or proven. In 2025, online publications and databases like ScienceDirect or Google Scholar are valuable tools for this step. The goal is to identify a gap or a little-discussed question, and thus demonstrate originality. For example, if you want to address the impact of social media on the perception of brands like L’Oréal, it’s useful to see what has already been said on the subject, and where the limits lie.

This work allows you to answer a key question: “What don’t we yet know or what can be explored further?” This avoids duplicating already exhaustive studies and encourages research that is both relevant and innovative.

Stage	Objectives	Tools
Literature Review	Identify gaps, underexplored variables, current trends	Academic databases, specialized websites, journals
Contextual Analysis	Place yourself in the 2025 news and global issues	Reports, market studies, specialized articles
Formulation of the problem	Narrow the topic down to a specific and innovative question	Discussion, brainstorming, monitoring

Concrete example: analyzing sustainability in the automotive industry

For example, you could explore how Renault and Peugeot are innovating to address environmental challenges, and whether these approaches are still sufficient or could be improved with the help of new technologies.

Step 3: Formulate a clear and precise question

A good problem often boils down to a simple but meaningful question. It must be formulated concisely to avoid any ambiguity. For example, rather than asking “What are the challenges of digital technology?”, it is better to specify: “How does digital technology influence consumer behavior at Decathlon?”

This type of question must also leave room for analysis and uncertainty, which will allow the researcher to formulate hypotheses or delve deeper. The wording must therefore meet several criteria:

• 🧐 Clarity: easy to understand
• 🎯 Precision: targeted at a specific aspect
• 💡 Originality: innovative or underutilized aspect
• 🔍 Feasibility: accessible in terms of resources and time

Example: question on sustainable mobility in companies

Rather than “How can mobility be made more sustainable?”, it is more precise to ask: “What strategies can Renault adopt to strengthen its commitment to sustainable mobility by 2025?”

Criteria for an original and relevant question

To ensure the originality of a question, it must meet certain fundamental principles:

• ✨ Clarity: a subject that is easy to understand, avoiding jargon
• 🎯 Relevance: a real and current issue
• 🧩 Originality: an angle or question that has been little addressed
• 🤔 Feasibility: available resources and time
• 🌍 Contextualization: adapted to the 2025 context

For example, considering how Airbus or Renault integrate 5G into their processes may be a good idea if this topic remains underexplored. The economic situation surrounding companies like Orange or SNCF in 2025, with the rise of digital technologies, offers unexpected opportunities to stand out and explore original avenues.

How to test the feasibility of your problem

Once your question has been formulated, you need to ensure that it is truly achievable within the given timeframe. To do this, ask a few key questions:

• 📝 Do I have access to the necessary data?
• ⏳ Does my work environment allow me to delve deeper into this problem?
• 💰 Are the resources available sufficient to fund the research? 📅 Is the topic realistic within the allotted timeframe?
• A good rule of thumb is to conduct a mini-assessment with colleagues or a supervisor to validate its feasibility. This avoids embarking on impossible research, especially given current technological or societal challenges.

Criteria

Questions to ask	Concrete examples	Data accessibility
Are the sources, databases, or surveys accessible in 2025?	Prioritize public or easily accessible data	Available time
Does the timeline allow for the entire research project to be covered?	Avoid choosing an overly ambitious topic within a limited timeframe	Financial resources
Are the financial resources sufficient to cover all needs?	Consider funding or request grants if necessary	Technical feasibility
Do the necessary tools or skills exist?	Request training if necessary or outsource some work	A well-tested problem ensures research that is both innovative and feasible. By following these steps, everyone can maximize their chances of success. Research in the high-tech field, for example, to study how Air France or Orange are leveraging 5G to improve their service, must remain realistic while being ambitious. Feel free to visit this article to learn more about the topic selection process.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finding an Original Problem in 2025 How can I ensure my problem is truly innovative? By comparing the question with recent literature, checking current trends, and seeking out a little-explored angle.

What is the ideal timeframe for finding a problem?

1. It is advisable to begin this step as soon as the topic is chosen, allowing several weeks for reflection and adjustments. How can I deal with a topic that is too broad or vague?
2. By narrowing it down by formulating a specific question and defining the scope of the study, particularly through concrete examples or a case study. Can you evolve your research question during the course of your research?
3. Yes, but this requires regular review of the literature and a strong ability to adapt. Once properly framed, the question must remain coherent throughout. What tools can I use to verify the novelty of my research question?
4. Documentary monitoring, consulting databases and recent studies, and discussing with experts in the field.